Gardens by the Bay will introduce a robot guide dog to assist visually impaired visitors in navigating the Flower Dome independently, with the service slated to begin in the third quarter of 2026. The initiative, developed by local company RoamAssist, aims to enhance accessibility and empower visitors with disabilities. The robot, equipped with a handle for guidance, is programmed with a detailed map of the Flower Dome and will provide audio descriptions of key plant highlights. It will also offer instructions on utilizing a tactile guidebook for a more comprehensive understanding of the flora. Crucially, the robot incorporates obstacle detection capabilities, pausing or redirecting visitors to avoid potential hazards. National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat highlighted the project during an appreciation dinner on March 22, 2026, emphasizing Gardens by the Bay’s role as a testing ground for accessibility solutions applicable to public spaces across Singapore. “These new technologies can empower visitors to experience its spaces with greater autonomy and confidence,” Mr. Chee stated, according to the Straits Times. Beyond the robot guide dog, Gardens by the Bay is developing an AI-powered headset in collaboration with local start-up AiSee. Testing for the headset is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2027 and it will be designed to identify plants and provide real-time audio descriptions to users. An online sensory map, co-developed with the St Andrew’s Autism Centre, is also planned for launch in June 2026. This map will identify potential sensory triggers – such as loud noises, bright lights, and strong smells – to assist visitors with autism and their caregivers in planning their visits. These accessibility enhancements build upon existing inclusive programs offered since 2024, including sensory tours featuring tactile guidebooks, 3D models, real plant samples, and trained docents. More than 800 individuals have already participated in these programs. The initiatives are financially supported by the Enabling Lives Initiative Grant, administered through the Tote Board and SG Enable, and align with Singapore’s broader Enabling Masterplan 2030 for persons with disabilities. Gardens by the Bay’s CEO has affirmed the park’s commitment to creating inclusive nature experiences for all visitors.
Gardens by the Bay: Robot Guide Dog to Boost Accessibility for Visually Impaired Visitors
